Doha: Lulu Group Qatar has won the prestigious Tarsheed Award for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in the commercial sector. The scheme celebrates exceptional companies and institutions in the country that achieve the targeted water and electricity conservation in an effort to preserve the environment and natural resources.
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani presented the award to Dr. Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu Group International, at the 10th-anniversary celebration of the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency run by Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) at Sheraton Hotel.
Lulu Group received the award in the category of "Tarsheed Conserving Building Competition" for its excellence and being the only private sector business in Qatar to achieve the targeted reduction of electricity and water consumption.
Dr. Mohamed Althaf said Lulu Group is very proud of winning the prestigious award that shows our commitment and dedication to reducing electricity and water consumption throughout our business operation chain. "The award is recognition of our commitment to the Circular Economy".
He added that it was a "special moment" for him to receive the award from Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani.
The Director stated that Lulu Group has adopted a slew of "smart technologies" throughout its facilities which has helped greatly in achieving the target of reducing electricity and water consumption. "We also introduced best scientific training, rigorous monitoring, and audit by third-party organisations".
He said the company has been working with The Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD) to ensure sustainability factor.
Dr. Althaf further said the Tarsheed award is a culmination of Lulu Group's accelerated efforts to reduce carbon emissions to 50 percent by 2030 and to achieve net-zero carbon footprints by 2045 in line with Qatar's commitment to reduce carbon emissions for climate change.
"As a leading retailer, Lulu Group is paving the way in its commitment to sustainability by exercising the best practices." He added that the company is taking real and demonstrable measures to protect the environment and contribute to reducing carbon emissions and food waste.
The Director noted that the Group has framed its own strategy on sustainability, which is put into practice in all its retail units and supply chains worldwide. "Lulu is deeply committed to reducing its impact on the environment and taking real and lasting steps to ensure this. As part of our commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030, we have been actively working to reduce carbon emissions, reduce food waste, and promote healthy eating".
He recounted one of the sustainable practices implemented by the Lulu team is GSAS- Op Certification (Global Sustainability Assessment System). Lulu Hypermarket in Qatar is one of the first retailers in the Middle East and North Africa to achieve sustainable operations certification GSAS from the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD).
Speaking about energy conservation measures taken by Lulu Group, he said a Building Management System (BMS) has been installed to efficiently manage the assets associated with the ventilation and lighting. Honeywell Forge Energy Optimization is being used for energy consumption.
LEDs are encouraged in all upcoming and existing projects. The company is aiming to gradually shift from conventional lights to LEDs. Warehouses are relying on motion sensors to guide a Light Control System which will optimise energy consumption.
He added that all new buildings are being designed by keeping energy efficiency in mind. "Submetres, energy-efficient chillers, and double flush systems are being implemented in tenant spaces to reduce water usage."
Elaborating the measures taken to manage waste, he said all outlets are being encouraged to segregate waste for easy disposal and collection. "Three compartment bins are implemented in all general areas to encourage customers in waste segregation. Food waste digesters are being used to efficiently manage the food waste generated in the operation."
Lulu's Bin Mahmoud store is also using an innovative food waste solution named 'ORCA' that recycles food waste by mainly breaking it down to water. The rest of the food will be broken down into carbs, fats, and proteins which are then captured or repurposed.